Fig. 3
From: 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) in metal and ceramic matrix composites
MXenes ceramic matrix composites using matrices such as Al2O3 and ZnO. a XRD patterns of Al2O3 and Al2O3—2 wt% Ti3C2Tx powder mixtures before sintering [58]. b SEM micrographs of Al2O3—2 wt%Ti3C2Tx composite prepared by sintering at 1500 °C [58]. c High-resolution TEM image of Al2O3—2wt% Ti3C2Tx with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) of the sintered MXene indicating TiC formation. Bottom inset shows the presence of graphitic carbon at the grain boundaries of the resulting TiC and alumina matrix [59]. d Schematic illustration showing (d) the grain boundary of ZnO–Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites [60] and (e) the fabrication process via cold sintering [60]. f, g SEM images of cols sintered pure ZnO and ZnO—1wt% Ti3C2Tx composite [60]. h TEM image of a cold sintered ZnO—1wt%Ti3C2Tx show the presence of MXene 2D flakes at ZnO grain boundaries. Top inset shows energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy of ZnO—1wt%Ti3C2Tx where Zn is shown in red and Ti is shown in cyan indicating MXenes at the grain boundaries [60]. i Densities and relative densities of ZnO–Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites cold sintered at 300 °C for 1 h [60]